Retail

Willliams-Sonoma is addressing concerns that some of its products that carry Made in the U.S.A. claims may not meet U.S. Federal Trade Commission standards for such labeling, the company has maintained.

After what he called an “unanticipated stir” among shareholders who questioned his sale of approximately 900,000 personal shares of Overstock, founder and CEO Patrick Byrne released a letter to shareholders defending the move.

Nordstrom reported that its net sales decreased 3.5% for the first quarter. The company said its top-line results were impacted by three areas— loyalty, digital marketing and merchandise— which contributed to declines across its full-price and off-price businesses, in both stores and online.

Following a decline in first quarter net sales and comparable store sales, Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass said the retailer is “actively addressing opportunities” that impacted revenue in the three month period ended May 4.

Stein Mart is installing Amazon Hub Lockers in nearly 200 of its stores across 28 states. Amazon Hub Lockers are secure, self-service kiosks that provide customers of the online retailer an alternative delivery option to pick up and return their Amazon packages.

HomeWorld Highlights

This is the fifth installment of a special series, presented by the National Hardware Show, exploring key trends and developments driving the growth of housewares and home goods in the home improvement retail business.

Home grillers in recent years have expanded their menu beyond hamburgers, hot dogs and steak and are now comfortable grilling a variety of foods from fruits and vegetables to pizza.

Current Issue

Executive Editor Greg Sleter highlights the May 13 issue of HomeWorld Business, which includes the annual Home Beverage Report and a look at the test that puts Kohl's and Aldi under one roof. Play video